Birthmark Removal Services in Granville, OH

The types of birthmarks can be classified as either a vascular birthmark, which are made of blood vessels causing the birthmark to appear red, or a pigmented birthmark, which consists of a cluster of melanocyte cells causing the mark to be a color that is different from your natural skin color, often ranging from brown to black. Specific types of vascular birthmarks include:

– Port-wine stain birthmarks
– Strawberry hemangiomas
– Cavernous hemangiomas
– Salmon patches/stork bites

Specific types of pigmented birthmarks include:

– Café au lait spots
– Dermal melanocytosis
– Pigmented nevi (moles)
– Congenital nevi
– Nevus sebaceous

Each of these types of birthmarks can range quite a bit in color, shape, and size but are classified as birthmarks if they are present at birth, are a different color from the surrounding skin, can be raised or flush on the skin, and can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a closed fist.

Most birthmarks can be removed permanently but may require a surgical procedure to have it removed. Many birthmarks will fade on their own with time, often even within a few weeks or months after childbirth. Most birthmarks do not need to be removed for medical reasons but ones that are located in more visible areas may cause patients to wish to have them removed due to the prominence and visibility of the birthmark causing them to become self-conscious. However, there are some cases in which a birthmark or mole will need to be removed for medical reasons, most likely that it appears to be at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. The type of birthmark will determine the ease at which it can be removed, with some birthmarks only becoming less noticeable after receiving treatments. There are a few different ways to cause the pigmentation of a birthmark to fade or to remove it entirely, with the approach that is taken being chosen by the dermatologist.

Many birthmarks will eventually fade or shrink back into themselves on their own, so for children who are under the age of 10 years old, it is unlikely that a dermatologist will want to remove a birthmark that is not considered at risk for cancer until they have reached that age. Small hemangiomas typically fall into this category and also develop in less visible areas, making it even less likely for parents to get these birthmarks removed for their children. Many of the flat birthmarks can be effectively removed through either laser therapy or surgical procedures, with some only fading through laser therapy rather than completely disappearing, making them more difficult to get rid of entirely. These two treatment options are commonly used on both pigmented and vascular birthmarks, with congenital nevi being an exception. Congenital melanocytic nevi are known for being a bit more difficult to get rid of completely, requiring more invasive procedures to remove it entirely in some cases.

For moles that are more visible, parents may wish to have the birthmark removed from their child once they are around 10 years of age or when they reach puberty. It is very common to have birthmarks that are more visible, such as located on the face, neck, or scalp, removed to be treated to be less noticeable in cases where the patient does not like how the birthmark affects their appearance. There are some cases where a healthcare provider or dermatologist will recommend that a pigmented birthmark be removed for health reasons, likely because the mark poses an increased risk of developing into skin cancer. If the birthmark changes in color, size, texture, or shape, or becomes painful, itchy, swells, or bleeds, it should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider right away in case it requires removal. Our team of experts would be happy to help guide your decision so you can get the results you’re looking for. We serve patients from Granville OH, Park Ridge OH, Welsh Hills OH, Newark OH, Alexandria OH, Pataskala OH, and surrounding areas.